POLLUTION CONTROL INITIATE: EXPOSITION “A SOLID PARTICLE”

On Friday, 22 November 2019, at 16:30, the KCCC Exhibition Hall (Didžioji Vandens St. 2, Klaipėda) presents the pollution control initiate exposition “A solid particle.”

We inhale approximately 21,600 times a day. Whether it is fresh sea air or a little of chemicals. Do we know what exactly we inhale?

The exhibition A SOLID PARTICLE presents a series of photographs of particulate matter collected from six locations inKlaipėda, while researchers from theKlaipėdaUniversitydemonstrate an inorganic composition thereof in their study.

The particles smaller than 2.5 µm pose the most serious hazard to health. Once inhaled, they enter our blood stream and stays in the body for up to several years. For some of us, the particles will cause stroke, cardiovascular, and various respiratory diseases. Their carcinogenic effect mainly develops through the lung and bladder cancer.

According to findings by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as of 2018, over 3,350 people died prematurely from air pollution inLithuaniaover the year, as compared to the roads, which claimed 170 victims.

EPA monitors and reports on particulate matter in the air on a continuous basis. In 2018, the highest solids concentration inKlaipedawas 135 µg/m³, i.e., similar to that during the fire at the tire recycling factory in Alytus.

The studies to be presented at the exposition will help us to understand the health effects of particles, identify sources of pollution and take measures to control them. The composition of particulate matter has not been comprehensively studied inLithuaniabefore.

Architect of the exposition “A solide particle”: Marius Ščerbinskas.
Research: Dr. Paulius Rapalis.
Macrophotography: Dr. Mindaugas Žilius.
Sound design: SILENCE (Donatas Bielkauskas, Kristijonas Lučinskas).

The event will be photographed and filmed, so please be advised that visitors can be seen in the photos or videos of the event, and such photos or videos will probably be made public on social networks or media.